Maharashtra: 23-year-old arrested in gold-snatching case, Rs 3 lakh stolen goods seized

Thane: Crime Branch Unit-1 arrested a 23-year-old Mumbra resident for allegedly snatching gold chains from a retired assistant sub-inspector and a senior citizen in Kalwa within a span of a week. The accused, identified as Saif Firoz Khan, was part of a two-member gang that allegedly carried out the robberies in a similar fashion. Police recovered stolen property and equipment collectively valued at Rs 3.4 lakh, including two gold chains weighing 13 grams and 10.1 grams, respectively, along with the motorcycle and mobile phone used in the offences.The first incident took place on Jan 31, 2026, when a retired police officer was on a late-night walk. Two men on a motorcycle allegedly intercepted him and forcibly snatched his gold chain before fleeing the spot. A case was registered under relevant sections of the BNS, said a cop. On Feb 6, the duo allegedly struck again in the Ganpati Pada area of Kalwa, targeting an elderly man during the evening hours and escaping with his gold chain using the same modus operandi, said Sachin Gaikwad, senior inspector of Unit-1. Acting on CCTV footage and technical surveillance inputs, officials traced Khan to his residence at Tal Apartment on Khardi Road in Mumbra. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crimes and disclosed the name of his accomplice, Naushad Khan, who remains absconding.